Garbage receptacle rack



Jan. 26, 1965 S. A. REED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE RACK 2 Sheets-Shea. 1

Filed May 16, 1963 INVENTOR. ,4. @550 Juli E6, 965

5. A. REED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE RACK 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 16 1963 554M122 Af gfi cans and litter the area around the cans.

- other animals.

- to another. occupants of multiple-inhabitant dwellings such as apart- 3,167,185 Patented Jan. 26, 1965 3,167,185 GARBAGE RECEPTALE EEAQK Selma: A. Reed, 716 Arlington Ave, Lawton, Girls. Filed May 16, 1963, Ser. No. 282,195 4 Claims. (Cl. 21l84) This application is a continuation-in-part of application for United States Letters Patent bearing Serial Number 196,097 and filed May 21, 1962.

This invention relates to a new type of garbage receptaclerack. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to a new type of garbage receptacle with lids attached as an integral part of the rack wherein a number of garbage receptacles may be retained and stored without the necessity of providing a separate, removable cover for each receptacle.

It is frequently necessary, for example, in the case of multiple-dwelling units and places of business, such as hotels, motels, hospitals, restaurants, groceries, and other establishments, to provide for retaining and storing a large number of garbage and trash receptacles in a neat and orderly manner in a minimum of space. An attractive, rubbish-free appearance is, of course, desirable in residential neighborhoods. However, in business districts,

\ shopping centers, hotel and hospital areas, etc., particular coming so bent and misshapen that they will not fit tightly enough to prevent garbage and debris from escaping.

A number of structures have heretofore been proposed for neatly storing trash and garbage receptacles in such a manner that dogs or other animals cannot overturn the Such racks have also incorporated various structural features for preventing the lids of the cans from being blown therefrom by high winds or the cans from being overturned by such winds. Since the basic concepts involved in such structures have long since been developed in detail and have appeared over the years in various forms, the more recent developments in structures of this type have taken the form of improvements in the simplicity of the racks andecon'omy of construction. It has also been a constant aim of inventive eifort in this area to improve the ease with which such cans may be stored in the racks "and removed therefrom by garbage collection personnel and other persons for purposes of cleaning the cans, etc.

The present invention provides a new type of trash or garbage receptacle retaining rack which is extremely simple in construction, yet is sturdy and characterized by a long and trouble-free operating life. A major feature of the invention is the provision, as an integral part of the rack, of a plurality of heavy lids which may be easily raised to a position which does not interfere with the storage and removal of the receptacles from the rack, but

which, when closed, prevent any of the trash or garbage contained within the trash receptacles from being blown therefrom by the wind or removed therefrom by dogs or The rack is also extremely useful in that it will accommodate a substantial number of garbage receptacles, and may be easily moved from one location It is thus especially adapted for use by the ment houses, hotels, motels, and the like.

An additional advantage of the present invention is the time saved in simplifying the work of persons whose job 7 is to empty garbage and trash, clean up about the storage United States Patent Ofiice area, and to collect the garbage and trash for hauling away. The attached lids of the rack, which can be easily raised, permit garbage to be placed in or removed from as many receptacles as necessary Without going through the additional steps of removing each separate cover, placing it upon the ground while emptying trash into or re moving trash from the receptacle, and then replacing the lid upon each receptacle after the task is completed.

Another salient feature of the invention is the adjustability of the lid structures which are provided for covering trash or garbage receptacles stored in the rack of the invention so that variations in the size of these receptacles need not result in undesirable gaps or spaces being left between the top of the receptacles and the lids to permit flies, rats or other vermin to enter the receptacles. The structure which is provided and which permits the lids of the rack to be adjusted in their position is simple and inexpensive in construction, and permits adjustments of the positions of the lids to be made in both a horizontal and vertical plane, or in either a horizontal or vertical plane at different times as a specific situation may require. Broadly, the present invention comprises a plurality of horizontal members for firmly supporting a plurality of trash or garbage receptacles in spaced relation from the ground such that they are not readily accessible to rats and other vermin, and are kept off of the moist earth to prevent corrosion of the metal of which the receptacles are usually constructed. The garbage receptacle rack of the invention further comprises an annular member which is of a size to snugly surround each receptacle at the midsection thereof and prevent horizontal displacement of the receptacle. As a final element of the invention, the garbage receptacle rack includes a horizontally extending rod or bar to which are pivotally attached a plurality of heavy lid members corresponding in number to the number of garbage receptacles which the rack is capable of accommodating. The lid members are arranged in oppo sitely disposed pairs with one of the lids in each pair being provided with a novel stop member which prevents both the lid carrying the stop member and the second lid of the pair from being pivoted upwardly beyond a certain point when it is desired to remove the garbage receptacles from the garbage can rack. The point at which the upward movement of the lids is arrested is calculated to permit each of the heavy lids to be closed with a minimum of effort, and yet to permit each of the garbage receptacles in the rack to be removed easily and without interference by its respective lid. The novel stop member construction which is utilized to control the degree of freedom with which each of the lids may move is extremely simple and inexpensive in construction and yet is of a configuration which assures extreme ruggedness and a long service life.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the horizontally extending rod to which are pivotally attached the heavy lid members is supported at each of its ends by a pair of adjustable elements which are adjust-ably attached to the structure which supports and surrounds the garbage cans. The adjustable elements may be adjusted in a way such that the lids used to cover the receptacles placed in the rack may be shifted in their vertical or horizontal positions so that receptacles of varying height may be efficiently covered by the lids which are provided.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the horizontal members which support the garbage receptacles are retained in their vertically spaced relation from the ground by a plurality of detachable leg assemblies which may be quickly and easily secured to the horizontal receptacle supporting members, but which may be detached therefrom and stored inside the framework formed by the horizontal receptacle supporting members and the annular members to facilitate shipment and storage of the .racks as heretofore proposed.

racks when not in use. bodiment of the invention also contemplates the detach- Toward the latter end, one em.

bar from which the lid members of the. garbage receptacle I rack arepivotally supported and showing details. of conable securement of the lid members to their hinge struc- .tures sothat the plates'which form the lid members can be easily detached from the hinges and remaining structure of the rack to facilitate. shipment in a compact form.

From the foregoing description of the invention,it will,

be apparent that a major object of the garbagereceptacle rack of this invention is to ;provide an improvement in garbage receptacle racks permittingsuch racks to be constructed more economically, and yet ;to' provide fora more elficient' and sightly storage of a larger number of garbage receptacles than has .been characteristic of Another object of the present invention is toprovide a vgarbage receptacle rack in which a plurality of garbage receptacles may be stored without the provision of a separate detachable cover for each of the receptacles. I

A further object of the present invention is to provide a storage-rack for a plurality of garbage receptacles, which rack maybe easily moved or transported from one locationto another. V 1 An additional object of the present invention is to provide a garbage receptacle rack having a plurality of pivotal lid members in combination therewith, which lid membersmay be easily and safely moved from a closed position over garbage receptacles stored in the rack, to an open position which permits the receptacles to be easily and quickly removed from the rack, and yet which. permits the lid members -to be easily returned to their covering position at such times as the garbage receptacles are replaced in the rack.

structionof the bar and one of the hinges used to pivotally support one of the lid members" upon said bar.. 7 FIGURE 5"is a plan view'of the end portion of the horizontal bar from which the lid members are pivotally supported- FIGURE '6 is a sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIGURE 5, and showing one ofthe'lid members in itsraised or openposition.

' FIGURE 7 is an isometric view of a modified embodiment of theinvention. i

h FIGURE-7A is a detail perspective .view of one of the, leg brackets used to supportithe garbage receptacle rack in vertically spaced'relation to the ground.

- FIGURE. 8 is'an. isometric view of the hinge and lid mounting structure which may be used in another embodiment of the. invention.

FIGURE9 is a View in section on line 99 of the hinge and lid. mounting structure shown in FIGURE 8.

FIGURE l0 is an end view-in elevation of the hinge .and lid mounting structure shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 I with oneof the lids pivoted to .its raised position.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and. particularly, to FIGURE 1, the garbage receptacle rack of the inventionis designated generally by reference character A further objectof the present invention is to provide.

a garbage receptacle rack which may be utilized for storing a plurality of garbage receptacles in an elevated posireceptacle rack which can accommodate a plurality of garbage receptacles and which is provided with a plurality of lid or cover memberscorresponding to the number of receptacles to be stored therein, which lidor cover members are adjustable in both horizontal and- 1t), and the gar'ba'gereceptacles which are illustrated in dashed lines are represented byfreference character 12.

The garbage receptacle'rackiltl comprises four vertical corner posts 14, each of which is located at one corner of the *rack'and extends frorn the ground upon which the rack rests upwardly to i an annular member 16. At its lower end 18, each of the vertical corner posts 14.is

welded to a shoe --or base plate 20 to permit the rack 10 to rest fiatly'upon the. ground, and to'prevent the rack from being driven. into soft earth or soil by theweight of the garbage receptacles which are retained in the rack.

- The four corner posts 14 of the rack lflmayconveniently be madeof steel-rods or anyjother, suitable material of suflicient strength and rigidity.

interconnecting the vertical corner posts 14 are a pair Lof horizontal, parallel supporting members 22 which extend fror'none end of the'rack to the other at each side i thereof. The verticalcorner posts 14 arealso interconvertical planes so that receptacles of varying sizes may Q,

be stored infthe rack. I a

A further object of the present invention is to provide "a detachable leg assembly for supporting a garbage'receptacle rack in spaced relation to the ground, which' denected by a pair of horizontal end supporting members 24 which extend'across each end of'the rack. Both the 'horiz'ontalside members 22 and the horizontal end. memhers 24'are braced by meansof diagonal braces 26 interconnecting these members with the verticalcorner posts '14. Intermediate the length of'each of the horizontal side members 22 is a verticahsupporting'member 2 8 tachable leg assembly can be removed from the rack and stored within the confines of the rack 'framework'in order to form a 'compactpackage for shipment and storage,

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a garbage receptacle rack having a plurality'of detachablelid members for covering the receptacles stored .therein r which lid members'may be easily detached from the'racl:

in order to reduce the bulk of the rack and provide more compact packaging thereof for shipment and storage.

Otherobjects and advantages of the present'invention.

will become apparent to the reader from the following detailed description of'the invention, when saiddes'cription is read in'conjunction'with a perusal" of the accom: r

panying drawings which illustratelrny invention. In thedrawings: V

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the garbage receptacle rack of the invention showing'two of the pivoted lid members of the rack initheir raised positions'with the I remainder of the lidmernbers in their closedpositions.

FIGURE 2 is a view' in elevationof the rack sho'wn in FIGURE '1;

FIGURE 3 is an end view of the rack illustrated in FIG- URES l and 2;

FIGURE- 4 is a detail view of the-end-of thehorijz o'ntal which also carries a base plate 20 at its lower end and is reinforced by diagonal braces 26. H

The height of each'of the vertical corner posts 14 is such that the annular members. 16 are positioned approxiinately around the center of the cylindrical garbage receptacles which are'stored in the garbage receptacle rack 10.

It will be appreciated that the types of outdoor garbage receptaclesgenerally in use are of approximately thirtygallon capacity andare fairly well standardized insize. 'Each of the annular members16 isof a diameter which is just slightly larger than the diameter of its respective garbage receptacle 12'atthe portion surrounded by the annular member 16 so'that very limited horizontal movement, if any, is permitted the receptacle bylits surrounding annular member 16. 1

In addition to the two parallel horizontal supporting 'mernbers 22 at each side of the rack 10,Ia third horizontal member (not seen) extendsparallel to the two horizontal side'rnembers 22 in substantially-the same plane as that occupied by the horizontal sidemembers 22 and is connected at itsopposite ends to the midpoint of the two horizontal'end members 24. A series of horizontal transverse supporting members 39 (see FIGUREjl) are positioned in parallel spaced relation from each other between the two horizontal end supporting members 24. Each of the horizontal transverse supporting members 30 is connected' at one of its ends to one of the horizontal side supporting members 22 and at its other end to the central horizontal supporting member. In referring to FIGURE 1, it will be noted that the horizontal supporting members 22, 24 and 30 each coincides over a portion of its length with a projected chord of the respective annular member 16 which lies directly above the respective horizontal supporting member. It will thus be apparent that each of the horizontal supporting members 22, 24 and 30 is positioned sufliciently inwardly of the circle described by the annular members 12 to provide a firm base upon which the garbage receptacles stored in the rack may be supported.

A plurality of vertical rods or bars 32 are provided for interconnecting the annular members 16 to the several horizontal supporting members 22, 24 and 30. Four of the rods 32 are circumferentally spaced around each of the annular members 16 so that the annular members are amply supported or reinforced to prevent them from beingbent or distorted by inadvertent blows which they may receive as the garbage receptacles are being placed in the rack 10. The annular members 16 are connected 'to each other by a series of horizontal reinforcing plates Extending upwardly from the midpoint of each of the horizontal end supporting member 24 is apair of vertical stanchions 36 which are connected at their upper ends to a horizontal lid supporting rod 38. The lid supporting rod 33 extends over the entire length of the garbage receptacle rack 16 and is positioned centrally with respect to the two rows of annular members 16. To provide additional structural strength to the connection between the horizontal lid supporting rod 33 and 4 38 with the horizontal reinforcing plates 34 connecting the annular members 16. The diagonal braces 42 may be most clearly seen in FIGURES 2 and 3. At each end of the garbage receptacle rack 10, additional diagonal braces 44 are provided to interconnect the vertical stanchions 36 with the respective annular members 16. The

described structure is mechanically strong, yet is relatively inexpensive in construction.

A plurality of lid members 46 are pivotally connected to the horizontal lid supporting rod 38 and correspond in number to the annular members 16 and also to the number of garbage receptacles which it is possible to store in the rack 10. The lids 46 each comprise a fiat metallic plate 48 which is of substantial thickness so as to impart considerable weight to each of the lids. The plates 48 are characterized in having a straight inner edge 50 which is disposed adjacent and parallel to the horizontal lid supporting rod 38, and in having a semicircular outer edge 52 which is curved about a radius which is slightly larger than the radius of each of the garbage receptacles 12. To

further seal the top of each of the garbage receptacles 12, each of the plates 48 has secured thereto a downwardly depending flange 54 which extends around the entire periphery of each of the plates 48 with the exception of the straight inner side 50. The manner in which the flanges 54 form skirts extending down over the upper edge of the garbage receptacles 12 is best illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings.

Each of the lids 46 is attached to the horizontal lid supporting rod 38 by means of the butt hinges 56. The

lids 46 are arranged in pairs with one lid in each pair disposed on the opposite side of the horizontal lid supporting rod 38 from the second lid of the pair. The butt hinge 56 which is utilized to secure each lid pair to the lid supporting rod 38 are disposed with one of the leaves of each hinge connected to each of the lids disposed on opposite sides of the rod 38. Secured to the top of the lid supporting rod 38 at spaced intervals corresponding to the spacing of the hinges 56 therealong are pairs of vertically extending pivot pin brackets 58. These brackets 58 are generally L-shaped in configuration as shown in FIGURE 4 with one of the legs of the bracket being welded, brazed or otherwise suitably secured to the upper surface of the lid supporting rod 38. The two brackets 58 in each pair of brackets are spaced from each other by a distance slightly greater than the width of the respective butt hinge 56 and journal a pivot pin 60 which pivotally engages the knuckles 62 of each of the butt hinges 56. The knuckles 62 of the butt hinges 56 are interlocked in the conventional manner so that the lids 46 of each lid pair may pivot about the pivot pins 60 independently of each other. At spaced intervals along the horizontal lid supporting rod 38 corresponding to the spacing of the brackets 53 therealong, a pair of horizontally extending stop members 64 are welded to the rod and function to support the lids 46 in a horizontal plane when no garbage receptacles 12 are positioned beneath the respective lids.

A triangular shaped bracket 66 is Welded or otherwise secured to one of the leaves of the butt hinge 56 used to secure each pair of lids 46 to the horizontal lid supporting rod 38. Each of the triangular brackets 66 is a scalene triangle in configuration and is shaped with its angles of a size such that the side 68 of the triangular bracket 66 which projects upwardly from the lids 46 adjacent the lid supporting rod 38 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to its vertical plane passing through the rod 38. Preferably the sides 68 of the triangular brackets 66 are inclined at angles of between 1 and 45 With respect to the vertical.

Operation In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6, a garbage receptacle rack 10 is illustrated, which is designed to accommodate eight generally cylindrical garbage receptacles 12 of uniform size. It will be apparent, however, that the rack could be easily modified to accommodate any number of receptacles desired without substantial alteration in the basic structure herein disclosed. When the receptacles 12 are positioned in the rack 10 they are elevated from the ground so that rats, insects and other vermin are denied access to the receptacles. The elevated positioning of the receptacles also presents the advantage that the bottoms of the receptacles are not in contact with the moist earth and, therefore, subject to rusting and corrosion.

With the receptacles 12 positioned in the rack, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the annular members 16 function to prevent the receptacles from moving horizontally to any substantial extent and thus prevent them from being turned over by heavy winds or by marauding dogs or other animals. Each of the receptacles 12 is tightly covered by lowering to its horizontal position, the respective lid 46. Each lid 46 fits closely over the top of its respective garbage receptacle 12, and its downwardly depending flange 54 further assures against the accessibility of the contents of the receptacle to flies, gnats and similar pests. The Weight of each of the lids 46 is such that the wind cannot cause the lids to be lifted up from a position of closure across the top of the receptacles 12.

When it is desired to remove one of the garbage receptacles 12 from the rack 10, its respective lid 46 is pivoted upwardly until the upward pivotal movement of the lid is arrested, either by contact of the lid with the side 68 of the triangular bracket contained on the lid positioned on the opposite side of the lid supporting rod 38, or by contact of the side 68 of a triangular bracket 66, mounted 'on the pivoted lid the'horizontal lid on the other side of the lid'supportingzrod 38. This action is illustrated in FIGURE 6 which shows on the other side of the supporting rod 38 to bang against I thus raised "lid-Will not fall backito a-horizontal position i the unrais'ed lid on the opposite side-of thesupporting rod;

also, the closure of the lids when garbage receptacles 12 are reinserted in the rack is made much easier.-

The construction of the hinge elements of the lids and the manner in which the triangular brackets 66 are" wardly in order to accomm-odate a plurality'of cans of greater height, both of the free ends of all of the V-shaped,

elongated rods in use will-be moved upwardly in their respective plates'92 so thatthe lid structure ismoved uniformly upwardly in a vertical direction. On the other "hand, should'itbe desired to swivel the lid structure in ahori zontal plane, one of theifree ends of one of. the

V-shaped rod s90 can be lowered in the plate 92 and there secured using the nuts93. This will have the effect of, drawing the end ofvthe horizontal lid supportingbar 38 towarditherendjof the V-shaped, elongated rod which mounted thereon provides a very strong mechanical ar-" rangement, yet retains thercost of fabrication of the rack ataminimum. l

fAnotherv embodiment of the invention is illustrated in- FIGURE 7 of the drawings. Since some of the structural 3 elements utilized in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURE 7 are identical to those which are employed in the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 through 6, identical reference numerals have been employed to identify identical structuralelernents.

supporting members 22 and are retained against liori- Vzcntal-displacement by annular members 16 which are Thus,

is thus lowered in its plate Since the V-shaped rod 90 'at theoppo'site end of the lid supporting bar 38 has not been changed in its position," the end of the horizontal lid supporting bar 38 which is secured to the second V- shaped rod will remain fixed and the total efieot will be that ofaswiveling the pair of lids 46iin'a horizontal plane. A moreaccentuated swiveling movement can be obtained by lowering in its respective. plate '92, the free end of the 'sec'ond'V-shaped, elongated rod 90 which is diametrically opposite the lowered end'of the first V-shaped bar. This I will, of course, fhave the effect of drawing the end of the v horizontallid supporting 'bar 38 toward the bracket 92 the cans are supported upon a pair of horizontal parallel provided for each of the cans-to be contained in' the rack,

which annular members are spaced above the horizontalv supporting members 22 andare' connected thereto by the rods or bars 32.

The horizontal, parallelsupporting members 22 are spaced vertically from the. ground, by] a pair of leg brackets designated generally by reference character 80. The leg brackets are each comprised I v of a U-shaped member 82 and a pair of'short, horizontal'rods 84 which are "welded orjother wise suitably secured to the bight or web of the U-shapedmember's 82 and are spaced from each other by a distance correv sponding to the horizontal spacing of the horizontal supporting members 22. A generally V-shaped brace 86 is'welded at its apex or vertex to the downwardly depend-,-

ing legs of each of the U-shaped members '82 and fat' its'free ends to the bight of the U-shaped member and ,to the horizontally projecting rod 84, respectively. The

construction ofthe legbracket assembly can best be V-shaped elongated rods 90 which are welded or otherwise suitablysecured at their vertices to the horizontal lid supporting bar 38. The generally V -shaped', elongated rods 90 are formed with each or their free ends bent which receives 'the free end of the second V-shaped rod which is so adjusted. w

A further feature which characterizes the adjustable lid structure shown in FIGURE 7' is the ability to dismantle the lid structure from the remainder'of the rack by removing the V-shaped'elongated rods'90'completely from their 1 supporting plates 92, removing the lidsv46 from the horizontal lid supporting bar 38'and storing such disconnected t -elements of the structure inside the main body of the V rack constitutedby the horizontal supporting members i 22 ahdthe annular members 16.

A'modifiedhin'ge and lid supporting structure which may be used'in the present invention is illustrated in FIGURES'S, 9 and '10. The advantages of the alternative structure here illustrated are basically twofold. First,

the structure of the dimple hinge having countersunk pivotalzbearing surfa'cesand used in themodified hinge and lid supporting structure .permits the triangular brackets 66 and thehorizontally extending stop member, 64 to be el iminated,"and thus reduces'the complexity and cost of constructing the garbage can rack. Secondly, the use of apair of channel-shaped'a'rrns as an integral portion of Referring-first to FIGURE 8 of :the drawings, the mod ifiecl hingeand'lid supporting structure is designated genability is attained by providing/a plurality 'o'fgenerally" erally by reference character 100; t The hingeandlid supporting structure comprises an L-shaped bracket 102 fwln'ch is welded .or otherwisesuitably secured to the horizontal lid supporting bar 38 by one'of its legs, and is positionedwith the other leg projecting-vertically at aright into parallelism with eachother and are mounted on the rack so that the free ends, -which are threaded as shown in FIGURE'7, project downwardly through a pair of apertured'plates 92securedto the annular members 16. It will be apparent'in referring to FIGURE- 7, of course, that the plates 92 which are provided 'for sup- .angle to'the bar 38. 1A pair of channel-shaped arms 104 'whichieach are characterized inhaving an arouate fiat end TPOl'tlOll 106'and a'channel portion108 are pivotally secured at their flatradiused end portions106 to the bracket 102. 1The mode of securement of the flat arcuate end portions-106 .of the channel-shaped arms 10410 the bracket 102 is in general that" which is used informing j a'dimple hinge; that vis, byicrimping the joined elements porting the free ends of one ofthe generally \l-sha'p'ed,

elongated rods are spaced around the circumference of the'annular members 16 from the plates which are-provided for receiving the free ends of the second V-shaped rod used to support the horizontal lid supporting bar 38; A pair of'nuts '93 isgusedato adjust the position of each of thefree ends of the elongated; V- Q shaped rods 90 relative to its respective plate- 92.

92 and relative to the respective annular members 16. If

it should be desired to move the entire lid assembly upbolt 112 is then passed'through the indented portions of Lthe bracket -1 02 and arcuate end, portions 106 ofthe channel-shaped arms 104 and 'is secured inplace by a 7 suitable nut"11'4. The channel-shaped arms 104 are then ffree Ito'piyot about theybolt 1 12. a

Y As best illustratedin FIGURES -8 and 9, the arcuate end portionj106 of 'each' of the channel-shaped arms 104 ijis'joined to the channel, section,,108 of the arm through fan angled or rbent portion ofjthe channel-shaped arms which is designated by reference character 116.- The angled portion 116 of the channel-shaped arms-164 is bent out of the plane of pivotation of the channel-shaped arms 104 and functions as a stop to limit the pivotal move ment of each of the arms in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 10. In other words, as each of the channelshaped arms 104 is pivoted upwardly from the horizontal position illustrated in FIGURE 8, the pivotal movement is uninterrupted until the angled portion 116 of the pivoted arm abuts or contacts the corresponding angled portion of the channel-shaped arm 108 on the opposite side of the bracket 102. At this point, the pivotal movement of the raised channel-shaped arm 104 is arrested and the lids which are mounted therein in a manner hereinafter .described are prevented from falling downwardly and opened lid is pivoted past a vertical plane, it will not fall back .to its original position and thus prevent reinsertion 'or removal of the garbage receptacle in or from its respective annular member 16.

In referring to the illustration of the hinge and lid supporting structure in FIGURE 8, it will further be perceived that the geometric configuration of the L-shaped bracket 102 is such that the width of the leg of the bracket which is secured to the horizontal lid supporting bar 33 enables the bracket to function as a horizontal stop member preventing downward pivotation of the channelshaped arms 104 past a horizontal plane. The brackets 102 thus functionally replace the horizontally extending stop members 64 shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6.

A plurality of the hinge structures which are illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6.

A plurality of the hinge structures which are illustrated in FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 and hereinbefore described are spaced along the horizontal lid supporting bar 38 by a distance which corresponds to the width of the lids which are to be supported thereby. With this horizontal spac ing of the hinge and lid supporting structures, the lids may then be slidably inserted in the channel sections 1618 of the channel-shaped arms 104 and retained therein during the pivotal movement of these arms. It will be readily apparent that the described structure facilitates the rapid replacement of damaged lid structures and also permits the lids to be removed from the hinge and lid supporting structure when it is desired to dismantle the garbage can rack for shipment or storage.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a very useful garbage receptacle rack which can accommodate a plurality of garbage receptacles, and which is relatively strong and durable, yet which is substantially less expensive to construct than racks of this general type heretofore proposed. The rack is especially suitable for use in storing the garbage receptacles used by the occupants of multiple-inhabitant dwellings.

Although some modification and rearrangement of parts and elements described herein will occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed in the fabrication of garbage receptacle racks which basically rely upon the inventive principles herein disclosed, such innovations and modifications are deemed to be circumscribed by the spirit and scope of the present invention except as the same may be necessarily limited by the language of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A rack for supporting a plurality of generally cylindrical refuse receptacles comprising:

(a) a plurality of horizontal supporting rods for supporting said receptacles in vertically spaced relation from the ground;

(b) a plurality of annular members spaced vertically from said horizontal supporting rods and having a diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of said receptacles;

(0) generally vertical rods connecting said annular members to said horizontal supporting rods;

(d) lid supporting means positioned vertically above said annular members;

(e) a plurality of lids corresponding in number to said annular members and each pivotally connected to said lid supporting means for individual pivoting movement between a horizontal position over one of said annular members and substantially parallel thereto, and a raised position facilitating the positioning of one of said receptacles in each of said annular members; and

(f) at least one pair of generally V-shaped, elongated rods supporting said lid supporting means at their vertices and each having generally diverging legs adjustably secured to two adjacent annular members at points on the opposite sides of said plurality of annular members from the points of adjustable securement of the legs on the other of said V-shaped members in the respective pair.

2. A garbage can rack comprising:

(a) can retaining means including horizontal can supporting members and means for securing a plurality of cans against horizontal movement positioned vertically above said can supporting members;

(b) a horizontal pivot pin spaced vertically from said means for securing the cans against horizontal movement;

(0) at least two can lids adapted for covering at least two of said cans, said lids being arranged in pairs with one of the lids in each pair positioned on the opposite side of said horizontal pivot pin from the other lid of the respective pair;

(d) a pair of horizontally spaced dimple hinges for pivotally securing each pair of said lids to said horizontal pivot pin, said dimple hinges each including an L-shaped bracket affixed to said pivot pin and a pair of channel-shaped arms each having an arcuate flat portion aligned with said L-shaped bracket and pivotally secured thereto and to the arcuate fiat portion of the other channel-shaped arm, said lids being slidingly received between the channel-shaped arms of the horizontally spaced dimple hinges in said pair; and

(e) means supporting said horizontal pivot pin and adjustably connected to said means for securing said cans against horizontal movement whereby said supporting means may be adjusted to vary the horizontal and vertical positions of said lids, said supporting means including at least two supporting rods secured to said horizontal pivot pin at horizontally spaced points therealong, each of said rods having two downwardly depending legs on opposed sides of the vertical plane of said horizontal pivot pin and the legs of each of said rods being adjustably attached to two horizontally spaced points on said means for securing the cans against horizontal movement.

3. A garbage can rack as claimed in claim 2 wherein said channel-shaped arms are each bent to offset in the plane of pivotation, said arcuate flat portion from the remainder of the respective arm Which permits said arms to pivot from a position of alignment in a horizontal plane to a position in which an angle of between and 45 is defined between said arms.

4. A rack for supporting a plurality of refuse receptacles comprising:

(a) a plurality of horizontal supporting rods for supporting said receptacles in vertically spaced relation to the ground;

([7) a plurality of horizontally extending can confining members spaced vertically from said horizontal supporting rods and disposed to extend around a major portion of the periphery of said receptacles;

(c) rods extending between and connecting said confining members and said horizontal supporting rods;

7 an, 7 s9" .5. '1 i ml (d) lid supporting means positioned vertically (above 1 r 7 horizontal position of said lids on said rack to accomsaid annular members; 1 I g I modate receptacles of diifering'height's and in various (12) a plurality of lids corresponding in number'tosaid 6 horizontal alignments. j t

confining members each pivotally connected to said I; r V lid supporting means for individual pivoting .move- "5 V Referenceswlted by h xam n merit between a generally horizontal position over UNITED STATES PATENTS one of said annular members and substantially paral- I I I r lel thereto and a raised position facilitating the posi f." tioning of one of said receptacles in each of said 1583485 5/261 N eil, 2l176 X confining members, and r V 1 t t t g 1,618,366 2/27, Culling 220 1 Y (7") at least two supportmgrods secured to-and sup- 1779 867' 10/30 Ah a Y 1 V t g V rold 248146 porting sald lid supporting means, each of said rods 2 239 4/41 Hon nd 7 I 1 having two horizontally spaced downwardly depend- '4/50 t a 84 ing legs each adjustably secured to one of said'con- 2513630 7/50 "5 f 7 finin members with the oints'of secure'ie t f the Y ""7'''"-T'T D n 10 2923 416 2/60 v0 e1" I V 211 71 two legs of each of said supporting rods being spaced 4 .g

i 7. 2,931,517 4/60 Youngblood et a1 2l1 -71 hOllZOIltliiYflOIll each other whereby vertical ad ustt 7 3,065,853 11/62 Fun ment of the legs of said supporting rods relative to t C said confining members changes the vertical and CLAUDE A. LE RQY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A RACK FOR SUPPORTING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL REFUSE RECEPTACLES COMPRISING: (A) A PLURALITY OF HORIZONTAL SUPPORTING RODS FOR SUPPORTING SAID RECEPTACLES IN VERTICALLY SPACED RELATION FROM THE GROUND; (D) A PLURALITY OF ANNULAR MEMBERS SPACED VERTICALLY FROM SAID HORIZONTAL SUPPORTING RODS AND HAVING A DIAMETER SUBSTANTIALLY SEQUAL TO THE OUTSIDE DIAMETER OF SAID RECEPTACLES; (C) GENERALLY VERTICAL RODS CONNECTING SAID ANNULAR MEMBERS TO SAID HORIZONTAL SUPPORTING RODS; (D) LID SUPPORTING MEANS POSITIONED VERTICALLY ABOVE SAID ANNULAR MEMBERS; (E) A PLURALITY OF LIDS CORRESPONDING IN NUMBER TO SAID ANNULAR MEMBERS AND EACH PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID LID SUPPORTING MEANS FOR INDIVIDUAL PIVOTING MOVEMENT BETWEEN A HORIZONTAL POSITION OVER ONE OF SAID ANNULAR MEMBERS AND SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL THERETO, AN A RAISED POSITION FACILITATING THE POSITIONING OF ONE OF SAID RECEPTACLES IN EACH OF SAID ANNULAR MEMBERS; AND (F) AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF GENERALLY V-SHAPED, ELONGATED RODS SUPPORTING SAID LID SUPPORTING MEANS AT THEIR VERTICES AND EACH HAVING GENERALLY DIVERGING LEGS ADJUSTABLY SECURED TO TWO ADJACENT ANNULAR MEMBERS AT POINTS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID PLURALITY OF ANNULAR MEMBERS FROM THE POINTS OF ADJUSTABLE SECUREMENT OF THE LEGS ON THE OTHER OF SAID V-SHAPED MEMBERS IN THE RESPECTIVE PAIR. 